This research ethics series uses the story of Dan Markingson’s participation in a clinical trial of anti-psychotic drugs at the University of Minnesota, his suicide 2004 while participating on the study, and subsequent events as a case study in which to explore various aspects of clinical trial conduct. In previous posts, I’ve looked at issues [...]

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. -Edmund Burke One month ago, Mike Howard, family friend of Dan Markingson, who committed suicide while participating in a clinical trial at the UMN, launched a petition requesting that Governor Mark Dayton launch an independent investigation of research misconduct in [...]

This post is in honor of Aaron Swartz. I had long considered posting my book as open access but had hesitated in doing so, even though I have long been an enthusiast about OLPC and Creative Commons.  Aaron’s tragic death prompted my urgent reconsideration and offering.   For me, it is the pictures of Aaron, [...]

This week, the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, is always a time for me for reflection on poverty and justice in America. Katrina brought focus to our country’s disparities and the response—or lack thereof—to disasters. And now, ironically on the anniversary of Katrina, Hurricane Isaac struck New Orleans again. Even prior to the Hurricane, in 2005, [...]

#Solidarity4Wilmot prevails. Thank you! Charges dropped against Kiera Wilmot. Yes! And YES!! Anyone else doing backflips? This news, combined with her full expulsion from school (for next year) being over turned makes me very, very happy for her. (Though I’m thinking ahead – would returning to Bartow High School be in her best interest? Others [...]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for reaching out and speaking up for #KieraWilmot and showing #Solidarity4Wilmot.  I teared up as I read all of the offers of support to assist Kiera and other students all over the country. I was amazed, but not at all surprised. I know this community of educators, teachers, scientists, [...]

Here’s what we now know. Kiera Wilmot was re-creating the Drano Aluminum foil experiment at school. She was outside, before the morning bell. She recreated one of those Wow! Science experiments, the kind we see on Myth Busters or You’ve Been Warned! Folks love those shows. They love doing that crazy stuff at home (although [...]

News of Kiera Wilmot’s arrest has seriously unnerved me. She is the Florida high school student who was experimenting with common household chemicals in science class that resulted in a minor explosion. There were no injuries and no damage to school property; however, she was taken away in handcuffs, formally arrested and expelled from school. [...]

The Mandingo fight scene of Django Unchained really disturbed me.  Two men were fighting for their lives. They were not competing over resources for survival, like food or shelter or access to mates or to protect their young. No, they were fighting for the entertainment of others. (This is not natural, might I add.)  They [...]

Why my campaign to promote quality and relevant science news in the Black Press matters: Real outcomes are at stake. Science Literacy is Social Justice! Obesity Coverage in Black Newspapers is Mostly Negative, MU Study Finds Negative health stories could discourage men in the African-American community from taking action Feb. 14, 2013 Story Contact(s): Nathan [...]

So even after Affirmative Action, there still weren’t very many Blacks and Mexican students enrolled in selective colleges and universities. Why? Because they didn’t meet the entry standards. That makes sense. But what isn’t thoroughly addressed (in this clip) is the reason why. Professor Lino Graglia admits he is not exactly sure why idea why [...]

Last week, Janaye Ingram, the Washington DC Bureau Chief of the National Action Network, wrote an impassioned article about the lack of diversity in science and technology careers, (We Need More Black Faces in Science and Technology Fields, The Loop 21, May 25, 2012).  The impetus, this Best Buy Commercial: Not a single woman. Not [...]

I hope you have had a chance to read the 13th Diversity in Science Carnival. Andrea of PhD for Life put it down! That was one amazing carnival.  There were so many entries from so many different sources: personal blogs, group blogs, even professional science societies contributed entries from their newsletters.  It’s just awesome. Go [...]

I sport an afro or natural hair, but I use to have a perm.  About a year ago, I shared my hair journey with Afrobella at Essence. com: Natural Hair Diary: Danielle N. Lee, Scientist.   When I was younger, I sat between my mother/older cousin/aunt/grandmother’s legs with jar of grease, cup of water, and tin [...]